Most recent information here.
The Peace River Regional District has expanded the area under Evacuation Order due to the West Kiskatinaw Fire. This includes:
- Along Highway 52E between km 220 (Cutbank Dam) and km 195
- Following the Kiskatinaw River west to south of Bearhole Lake and including Bearhole Lake Road to the District of Tumbler Ridge boundary
- North following the Tumbler Ridge boundary to the east side of Highway 52N
- North following Highway 52 N, on the east side of the Highway (not including the highway) to the northern most intersection of the Moore road (Approx. Km 33 on Highway 52N)
- West following Halfmoon Creek, Oetata Creek to the Kiskatinaw River to a point of intersection at the Cutbank Dam at Highway 52E
Properties that were previously under Evacuation Order #1 remain under Evacuation Order #2, including the One Island Lake community.
The estimated size of the fire remains at 9600 ha.
According to satellite imagery, the fire has blown over the Hourglass Road and The Noel Road. People are asked to stay off these roads.
According to the same satellite imagery, the fire passed just north of Boot Lake and as of this moment, the recreation site remains unaffected.
Overnights, the winds shifted, and the smoke that was heading towards Grande Prairie is now being blown back to town, leading many people to worry that the town is soon to be evacuated.
However, according to the District, “While this new evacuation order area does border against the District of Tumbler Ridge’s municipal boundary, there is no Evacuation Order in effect for the municipality of Tumbler Ridge or its boundary area at this time.”
That may change at any moment, so they remind everyone to have an emergency plan in place and supplies gathered in case they are required at a moments notice.
Please visit preparedbc.ca for more information on emergency preparedness.
Trent is the publisher of Tumbler RidgeLines.
